**2.2.1 Biogas technology research in sub-Saharan countries**

In developing countries, biogas energy research should be planned and conducted as the main factor leading to its contribution to the solution of energy problems. Keeping this in mind, the results of the research should be applicable on a nation-wide scale and constitute a part of the country's development plan. In many of the developing countries, there is remain some basic research areas mostly on the quantity and potential biogas yield of fermentable organic wastes available, the size and type of biogas digesters which can be economically viable for the potential consumers of the biogas technology.

Biogas technology research in selected sub-Saharan African countries has recently been reviewed by Mshandete and Parawira (2009). The review provided an insight and update of the state of biogas technology research in some selected sub-Saharan African countries in peer reviewed literature. An attempt was made to pinpoint future research in critically reviewing the biogas technology research. The methane-producing potential of various agriculturally sourced feedstocks has been researched, as has the advantages of co-digestion to improve carbon-to-nitrogen ratios and the use of pretreatment to improve the hydrolysis rates. Some optimisation techniques associated with anaerobic digestion including basic design considerations of single or two-stage systems, pretreatment, co-digestion, environmental conditions within the reactor such as temperature, pH, buffering capacity have been attempted in some of the researches in Nigeria, Tanzania, and Zimbabwe. However, there appears to be little research in biogas technology in many sub-Saharan African countries in internationally peer reviewed literature. However, biogas technology research will only have an impact if relevant and appropriate areas of research are identified and prioritised.

#### **3. Gender implication of rural energy technology**

Generally, rural women are greatly involved in managing household energy systems. Rural women are also the ones who are directly affected by the rural energy crisis. As mentioned in previous sections, traditional firewood cooking causes faster depletion of biomass resources and increases the time that women require in collecting firewood. These activities consume a great deal of the time and labour of women and increase the drudgery of women. In addition, the use of traditional energy technologies has a negative impact on women's health due to the smoke from firewood and their heavy workload. There is

 Provision of several economic incentives to accelerate and increase the biogas applications in the country Preparation of large scale projects to obtain support from non-profit international organisations and agencies such as United Nations, World Bank, Organization of Arab Petroleum Exporting Countries (OAPEC), Islamic

Foundation for Science, Technology and Development (IFSTAD, Jordan), etc. Increasing public awareness of biogas technology by distributing simple explanatory

Encouragement of potential private investors by offering a governmental partnership

Table 5. Priority issues which must be tackled by African countries for the development of

In developing countries, biogas energy research should be planned and conducted as the main factor leading to its contribution to the solution of energy problems. Keeping this in mind, the results of the research should be applicable on a nation-wide scale and constitute a part of the country's development plan. In many of the developing countries, there is remain some basic research areas mostly on the quantity and potential biogas yield of fermentable organic wastes available, the size and type of biogas digesters which can be

Biogas technology research in selected sub-Saharan African countries has recently been reviewed by Mshandete and Parawira (2009). The review provided an insight and update of the state of biogas technology research in some selected sub-Saharan African countries in peer reviewed literature. An attempt was made to pinpoint future research in critically reviewing the biogas technology research. The methane-producing potential of various agriculturally sourced feedstocks has been researched, as has the advantages of co-digestion to improve carbon-to-nitrogen ratios and the use of pretreatment to improve the hydrolysis rates. Some optimisation techniques associated with anaerobic digestion including basic design considerations of single or two-stage systems, pretreatment, co-digestion, environmental conditions within the reactor such as temperature, pH, buffering capacity have been attempted in some of the researches in Nigeria, Tanzania, and Zimbabwe. However, there appears to be little research in biogas technology in many sub-Saharan African countries in internationally peer reviewed literature. However, biogas technology research will only have an impact if relevant and appropriate areas of research are identified

Generally, rural women are greatly involved in managing household energy systems. Rural women are also the ones who are directly affected by the rural energy crisis. As mentioned in previous sections, traditional firewood cooking causes faster depletion of biomass resources and increases the time that women require in collecting firewood. These activities consume a great deal of the time and labour of women and increase the drudgery of women. In addition, the use of traditional energy technologies has a negative impact on women's health due to the smoke from firewood and their heavy workload. There is

pamphlets or using other media.

biogas technology.

and prioritised.

in the production of biogas technology.

**2.2.1 Biogas technology research in sub-Saharan countries** 

**3. Gender implication of rural energy technology** 

economically viable for the potential consumers of the biogas technology.

therefore the need for an intervention, that help to reduce women's labour and time, which could be used for other productive purposes, and to improve the health conditions of women. In this regards, an intervention with anaerobic digestion is needed. Such an intervention should be based on gender concerns both at macro and micro levels in terms of recognizing women's roles and responsibilities and their priorities regarding rural energy. The focus should be on reducing expenditure of human energy rather than only saving fuel. Hence, it is very important here to consider the practical gender needs, which fulfil the regular energy needs at household level while saving the time and labour of women, and the strategic gender needs, which provides the opportunities for women to be involved in social and economic activities for their self-enhancement and empowerment.
